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Published : 23 Sep 2025, 04:07 PM
Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain says those who attack shrines and temples are “criminals” and have “no religious identity”.
He made the remarks while visiting the Golpahar Kali Temple and crematorium in Chattogram on Tuesday.
Acknowledging that some "isolated" incidents of violence have occurred, Khalid described them as politically motivated, targeting both shrines and temples for desecration.
“We have to be vigilant so that no one can destroy this harmonious environment of ours.”
“Those who want to desecrate places of worship, shrines, the religious establishments of any religion or throw stones are criminals. They have no religious identity.”
The adviser urged Hindu devotees to install CCTV cameras in pavilions during the upcoming Durga Puja.
“Many attacks occur at night. They throw stones in the dark. Our law enforcing agencies are active. Detectives will also be on duty in several places from today,” he said.
“If you are worried, ring the hotline. The administration will stand by you instantaneously. You can involve the local people. Seek the cooperation of people of whatever religion are around. Then you can celebrate the festival of Durga Puja in a festive atmosphere.”
Khalid also warned against taking the law into one’s own hands.
“If someone disrespects religion, insults it, or mocks it, that person is responsible for their words. The community is not responsible,” he said.
“But we often take the law into our own hands. We go there, attack, file cases, and loot. If we take the law into our own hands, the rule of law will be destroyed.”
He said, “Crimes will be punished. The homes of innocent people cannot be attacked in retaliation. We are always vigilant on this matter. As we have lived together in the past, we will love together in the future as well. This country belongs to all of us.”
Commenting on communal differences, Khalid said: “Non-communal people have a sense of humanity. When I see a needy, unhappy, or sad person, I do not want to know their religious identity. What is important to me is that they are human.”
He said Bangladesh should serve as an example to neighbouring countries.
“We have to keep our hearts clean. I will practice my own religion. I have to give others the opportunity to practice theirs without any hindrance.”
“Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and people of different ethnic groups live in our Bengal. We want to forge this country as a safe place for all to live,” he said.
“Everyone will be able to celebrate their own religion without any hindrance. Followers of every religion will be able to do this. This is your constitutional right.”
“The government has taken all-out preparations for the upcoming Durga Puja,” Khalid said, adding that security arrangements had been ensured.
“We have held a meeting with the home ministry. This independent, sovereign Bangladesh is our home. We love this country. All the achievements of this country have been through the contributions of people of different religions, different classes and different nationalities. We do not want to belittle anyone’s contributions.”
He also said Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had spoken to him before leaving for New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
“‘If I come, it will be on Dashami,’” Yunus told him.
“‘Be careful. After talking to the home adviser, you will have to work day and night so that people can celebrate the puja without any problems.’”
“Yesterday I went to Cox’s Bazar, and today I will go to Khagrachhari via Chattogram and then there is a programme at the Ramakrishna Mission in Dhaka,” Khalid said.
“I want your cooperation. Let’s all come together to make this beloved motherland a place of peace.”
